A recent report from the Ideas for Peace Foundation shows that illegal armed groups in Colombia increased their membership by over 23% from December 2024 to December 2025, exceeding 27,000 members. This growth happened despite ceasefires and security policies that restricted state actions. The editorial questions the national government's response to this territorial and humanitarian expansion.
The Ideas for Peace Foundation (FIP) report, recently published, confirms the strengthening of illegal armed groups in Colombia over the past year. From December 2024 to December 2025, these structures added over 5,000 new members and support networks, reaching a total exceeding 27,000, a 23% increase.
This progress occurred amid ceasefires not honored by the groups, decisions that limited Public Force operations, and a governmental discourse that, per the analysis, granted them strategic advantages. Organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN, and FARC dissidents expanded their presence, capacity, and membership numbers, while escalating attacks on the Public Force, infrastructure bombings, use of explosive drones, and inter-group clashes.
The humanitarian toll has been severe, with sharp rises in forced displacements and kidnappings. The security policy under President Gustavo Petro's government, including unilateral ceasefires and lack of direct confrontations, coupled with growing illicit crops, provided resources for recruitment and territorial expansion. In areas lacking opportunities and weak state presence, crime has filled the void.
At the start of 2026, during an election year, the country's security seems more fragile. The challenge for the next administration involves regaining territorial control, dismantling illegal economies, and ensuring citizen protection, while avoiding denials that extend the issue.
